ENG vs IND: Ajinkya Rahane Suggests Who Could Step In for Bumrah in 4th Test

Rahane Names Arshdeep as Ideal Replacement if Bumrah Misses 4th Test

With Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the fourth Test against England still uncertain, Ajinkya Rahane has backed Arshdeep Singh as the perfect replacement. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rahane said the left-arm pacer’s ability to swing the ball both ways and offer a different angle could be crucial in English conditions.

“If Bumrah doesn’t play, Arshdeep should come in. In England, a left-arm seamer who swings it both ways adds great value, plus he can create rough for the spinners,” Rahane said. Bumrah was expected to feature in only three of the five Tests, as per head coach Gautam Gambhir’s pre-series comments. With two matches already under his belt, he could be rested at Old Trafford.

However, Arshdeep’s inclusion is now in doubt too. The pacer suffered a hand injury during a practice session in Beckenham. India’s assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate confirmed that Arshdeep sustained a cut while trying to stop the ball and was taken to a doctor to assess if stitches were needed.

The fourth Test begins on July 23 in Manchester. Trailing 1–2 in the series, India must win to stay alive, making team selection and Bumrah’s workload key considerations for the management.